Volkswagen has confirmed that it has a new California campervan in the works, and it was revealed at the Caravan Salon trade fair in Dusseldorf on August 24.
First hybrid California
When the production version is unveiled, this latest California will be the fourth model in the camping line-up and will be based on the Multivan MPV. The Multivan - which looks a bit like a T6 Transporter van but is actually based on passenger-car underpinnings - uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain, making this latest California the first hybrid-engined version.
Volkswagen says that this Multivan-based camper - which for now is known as the Concept California - will include "innovative ideas which also reinforce the dual concept of a van that is ideal for day-to-day use but also transforms into a camper van fit for any adventure in next to no time."
The new Concept California has a traditional pop-up roof, which allows for standing-up space in the main cabin and an 'upstairs' bed, along with two extendable sunshade awnings and fold-away picnic tables and chairs.
An extra sliding side door
As far as the hybrid powertrain is concerned, Volkswagen says: "It is powerful, economical and stands for future-oriented and responsible mobility with its all-electric range. At the same time, its long-distance suitability provides security when driving away from major traffic routes. It is therefore not just the neighbours on the campsite who will enjoy the hybrid drive as the vehicle glides silently past them."
As you'd expect, the Concept California will be fully connected and come with a smartphone app allowing you to control some of its onboard functions remotely. Volkswagen is also dropping a big hint that this Multivan California will be more versatile than the current Transporter-based version, saying: "No one has ever claimed that a California should have only one sliding door..." The concept has one on each side and it's likely that will make it through to the showroom model.
Thirty-five years ago, Volkswagen showed off the first California-badged vehicle at the 1988 running of the Caravan Salon, so 2023 is quite the anniversary. Some 260,000 California models have been made since then, and the current line-up includes Californias based on the T6 Transporter, the large Crafter van and the compact Caddy.
35 years since the first California
That first California was based on the T3 Transporter (the really square one, which still had a rear-mounted engine) and was available in just two colours: Pastel White and Masala Red. Inside, there was a white-grey kitchenette.
Just two years later, in 1990, Volkswagen utterly changed both the Transporter and the California, switching to the front-engined, front-wheel-drive T4 model. That allowed for more cabin room and therefore more sleeping and camping space, and the California hasn't looked back since.
This won't be the last new California model, though it's believed that the expected ID. Buzz-based camper is still some way off.